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Alberto Auricchio
Scientific Director, Principal Investigator at TIGEM (Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine)
Alberto Auricchio is the newly appointed Scientific Director of the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM) in Pozzuoli, Italy, starting from April 2024.13 He is a prominent figure in the field of genetic research and gene therapy, with a focus on retinal and metabolic diseases.
Professional Background
Alberto Auricchio holds the position of Professor of Medical Genetics at the Department of Advanced Biomedicine, University of Naples "Federico II".12 Prior to his appointment as Scientific Director, he served as the coordinator of TIGEM's Molecular Therapy program.3
Research Focus
Auricchio's research primarily concentrates on:
- Gene therapy for retinal and metabolic diseases using adeno-associated viral vectors2
- Development of novel in vivo gene therapy and genome editing strategies for inherited blindness and metabolic diseases2
His group has made significant contributions to the field, including:
- Participating in the phase I/II clinical trial of Luxturna, the first approved gene therapy drug for an ocular disease2
- Developing gene therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis VI, which is currently in an ongoing phase I/II trial2
Achievements and Recognition
Professor Auricchio has received several notable awards and recognitions:
- Outstanding New Investigator Award from the American Society of Gene Therapy2
- International Prize for Scientific Research "Arrigo Recordati"2
- Multiple grants from the European Research Council2
Publications and Patents
Auricchio is a prolific researcher, having authored:
- Over 150 peer-reviewed publications in international scientific journals2
- Several international patents on the use of viral vectors for gene therapy2
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In addition to his academic work, Auricchio has been involved in founding and advising biotech companies:
- Founder, shareholder, and consultant of InnovaVector, a CMO for production of AAV vectors2
- Founder of AAVantgarde Bio, a spin-off focused on developing novel gene therapies for blindness23
Professional Affiliations
Auricchio serves on:
- Editorial boards of various scientific journals2
- Executive Board of the European Society of Cell and Gene Therapy2
As the new Scientific Director of TIGEM, Auricchio aims to maintain the institute's high scientific standards while fostering a strong focus on translational research to develop treatments for patients with rare genetic diseases.3
